Best and Worst of Euro 2016: Antoine Griezmann, Joe Hart, Raheem Sterling

Joe Hart
Source: holla2016

So another European championship has ended and nobody’s favourite Portugal have triumphed after their laboured extra-time victory over the hosts, France. In what has been a largely forgetful tournament of football we look back at some of the better moments from the last month (with the odd duff moment thrown in too).

 

Best Game – Wales vs Belgium (3-1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPWBdHxQTok

There wasn’t many standout classics but a few deserve mention, N. Ireland beating Ukraine 2-0, the hell for leather 3-3 thriller of Hungary vs Portugal and Iceland despatching Austria 2-1 were great games, but Wales’ triumphant victory over FIFA ranked world number 1 Belgium was a cracker and a great advert for the international game.

Belgium went 1-0 up after the 13th minute after Radja Nainggolan struck the ball with force from 25 yards out (cue Partridge “he must have a foot like a traction engine!” memes ahoy). Alas Wales didn’t panic and got themselves level through captain Ashley Williams on the half hour mark to send the teams level at half-time. Cue the comeback. Some end to end play transpired before Hal Robson-Kanu decided to pull a screamer of his own out of the bag and put Wales 2-1 up on 55 minutes. A Cruyff turn that will still give the Belgium defence nightmares for years to come followed by a coolly slotted finish was momentous from the man with no club. Sam Vokes’ late header sealed the game, and everyone’s hearts, for the tournament.

 

Worst Game – England vs Iceland (1-2)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJuc0WL6IUM

Joe Hart’s fumble. Rooney looking lost. Jack Wilshere. There’s nothing more that needs to be said of this travesty. Thank god we all had the season finale of Game of Thrones to watch after this debacle. Nightmare.

 

Best Player – Antoine Griezmann

The Atletico Madrid forward had a magnificent tournament showing his goal-scoring prowess by winning the tournament Golden Boot with 6 goals. He may have had a disappointing final against Portugal but his overall contributions to the host nation’s team was outstanding, none more so than the round of 16 tie against Ireland, where he turned the game on its head to help France win 2-1 after being 1-0 down in a man of the match display. Class personified.

 

Worst Player – Raheem Sterling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv2TfWTK8o4

The poor runs, forever being subbed and still no justification for his starting selection after the group stages, Sterling had a tournament to forget. Harangued by the press and fans some argued that his confidence suffered thus leading to his poor performances, but as a fully grown adult playing for one of England’s top clubs the pressure is always going to be on you in a major tournament. It’s up to the individual to step up to the plate, (didn’t seem to affect Marcus Rashford, may I add). Sterling should never have been in the squad.

 

Best Goal – Xherdan Shaqiri, Switzerland vs Poland

In a tournament lacking quality, world class goals were needed. The aforementioned Robson-Kanu and Nainggolan’s efforts were worthy winners in their own rights, but Stoke City’s little midfielder came up with a scissor-kick of such outstanding quality when Switzerland really needed that little bit of magic most. Shaqiri Shaqiri!

 

Worst Goal (to concede) – Joe Hart, England vs Iceland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lq2_n4LlnE

I know this isn’t a normal category to include, but when such a limp shot gets past you for the second time in three matches, it’s time to accept that England’s number 1 goalkeeper deserves this accolade. Shambles.

Agree? Disagree? Have your say in the comments below!

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